Pirates quarterback hospitalized

By IZZY GOULD
Published September 22, 2005

DADE CITY - Pasco quarterback Tony Smith was admitted to Pasco Regional Medical Center on Wednesday morning after complaining of abdominal pain.

There was no definitive diagnosis late Wednesday night, but doctors are keying in on Smith's appendix. Two CT scans revealed no swelling.

Smith was held overnight and was scheduled for a third CT scan this morning. He first mentioned the pain Sunday, but attended school Monday and Tuesday.

Smith is not receiving medication while doctors continue to determine the cause of his pain.

Pasco coach Dale Caparaso visited Smith Wednesday night. He described the junior as "pretty scared" and "mellow."

"It could be as minor as a severe stomach virus that went haywire," Caparaso said. "It could be the beginning of appendicitis. We just don't know."

One doctor recommended surgery, Caparaso said. Smith refused.

"They wanted to operate on him," Caparaso said. "Tony said, "No way, I have to play in the (Land O'Lakes-Pasco game) Friday night.'

"His grandmother asked if (doctors) were 100 percent sure Tony needed surgery. They said, "No.' "

Smith's status for Friday's game is unknown, Caparaso said. But Pasco already had adjusted to life without Smith at quarterback.

Smith served a pair of one-game suspensions for disciplinary reasons, then sat most of last week's 10-0 loss to Sebring for a missed practice while Pasco fell to 1-3.

Caparaso replaced Smith with freshman Josh Johnson for some stability at quarterback, but hoped to take advantage of Smith's talents in other areas against Land O'Lakes.

Contact Izzy Gould at 352 521-6517 or igould@sptimes.com

[Last modified September 22, 2005, 01:04:14]